Effective immediately, Shane Berg, British Columbia’s deputy chief forester, has set a new allowable annual cut (AAC) level for Tree Farm Licence (TFL) 1, located In the Skeena region north of Terrace.

The new AAC for TFL 1 is 322,000 cubic metres, a decrease of 15% from the previous AAC of 378,059 cubic metres, which was set in 2011. This decision maintains a stable timber supply and accounts for forest-health factors, as well as the protection of non-timber values, including cultural resources, wildlife habitat and old-growth forest, and established land-use objectives.

There are 12 Indigenous groups and one Treaty Nation whose territories overlap with the administrative boundary of TFL 1. Prior to this determination, First Nations were consulted regarding the information package and draft management plan, in accordance with current provincial guidance.

TFL 1 is held by Coast Tsimshian Resources Limited Partnership. The total area of the TFL is 423,721 hectares, of which 68,740 hectares are available and suitable for timber harvesting. The forests are dominated by western hemlock and amabilis fir (balsam), with mixed stands of spruce, western red cedar and cottonwood.

The Office of the Chief Forester’s AAC determination is an independent, professional judgment, based on information ranging from technical forestry reports, First Nations and public input to the government’s social and economic goals.

Under the Forest Act, the chief forester must determine the AAC in each of the province’s 37 timber supply areas and 34 tree farm licences at least once every 10 years.